Acquired Services and Assets Sector Communities Development Office
The Acquired Services and Assets Sector Communities Development Office (ASAS-CDO) promotes professionalism and excellence to over 22,000 public service employees who work in:
Procurement
Procurement specialists plan for and execute the acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment or services that support the delivery of government programs, while providing the best value for the Crown. They work with their clients to define requirements, forecast life cycle costs, and develop and implement procurement strategies.
Some specialists design, build and negotiate sophisticated procurement instruments for government-wide use, while others are more focused on specific departmental program requirements. Specialists also provide policy interpretation and advice on existing and proposed policies, ensuring that policies, directives and best practices are understood and remain current and relevant.
To learn more, visit the Procurement competencies web page.
Materiel management
Materiel specialists manage the Crown’s movable and tangible assets (vehicles, equipment, furniture, furnishings, among others) throughout their life cycle, which includes planning, some procurement, operations and maintenance, and disposition. They ensure that these assets are used efficiently and effectively when supporting program delivery.
Materiel specialists track and safeguard their department’s materiel assets, including controlled goods and those that have recognized heritage value. They also ensure that at the end of the life cycle, the transfer or disposal of surplus materiel is effective and obtains the best value for the Crown.
Real property
Real property specialists manage federal real property (land, buildings, infrastructure and space) throughout their life cycle, which includes planning, acquisition, operations and maintenance, and disposition. They ensure these assets are used efficiently and effectively when supporting program delivery.
In addition to being knowledgeable about the financial planning and administration of real property, these specialists must understand technical information about real estate transactions, building and fire codes, accessibility standards, and cultural and environmental requirements, to make sound decisions.
Real property specialists perform a wide variety of work. These specialists can be found in:
- property and facility management
- project management
- architecture and engineering
- portfolio, program and policy management
- accommodations management
- environmental services
- geomatic services
- real property support
- general labour and trades
- fire protection
- heating plants
These professionals ensure that at the end of the life cycle, the transfer or disposal of surplus real property is as effective and transparent as possible to obtain the highest value for the Crown.
Project management
Project management specialists effectively plan, define, implement, monitor, control, transition and close-out projects. Working in a variety of roles (such as project sponsors, project managers, project specialists), these experts ensure that projects are delivered while realizing the expected benefits. Project management specialists work closely with functional specialists in areas such as risk, finance, change management, human resources, communications, scheduling and procurement.
Project management is the “systematic planning, organizing and control of allocated resources to accomplish identified project objectives and outcomes. Project management is normally reserved for focused, non-repetitive, time-limited activities with some degree of risk, and for activities beyond the usual scope of program (operational) activities.” 2019 Policy on the Planning and Management of Investments.
Common business areas where projects are necessary to move from the current state to a future state where the business and/or stakeholders will realize the intended benefits:
- developing a new computer system
- creating a communications network
- building or renovating a property
- researching and/or developing new products and services
To learn more, visit the Project management competencies web page.
Programs and services for individual community members’ professional development and certification
Community members have access to:
- leadership programs
- competency suites for each community that describe proficiency in a particular job function in terms of knowledge, skills and abilities
- competency-based guides designed to help build and strengthen individuals’ proficiency levels for each of the core competencies
- workshops, learning events and a curriculum of classroom and online training available from the Canada School of Public Service
Programs and services for government-wide community development
Community development is supported by:
- competency-based management tools to recruit, develop and manage a competent workforce
- analysis of workforce demographics to determine gaps and trends to facilitate human resource and talent management
- community representation on government-wide initiatives and issues
- the work of communities of practice
- community-wide recruitment initiatives
- outreach to colleges, universities, and national and international professional development and accreditation organizations to increase awareness in the private sector and academia of the communities and their work
Contact us
For more information, contact the ASAS CDO team.
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